GERRADSTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Authorities discovered an active methamphetamine laboratory during an operation to arrest a wanted man in Berkeley County early Wednesday morning.
On September 3, 2025, at approximately 6:56 a.m., members of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, including Sergeant Ennis, Corporal Leonard, Deputy Webb, and Deputy Baldridge, worked alongside the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to execute an operation on Driftwood Drive in Gerrardstown.
[irp posts=”135534″]
Deputies apprehended Joseph Paul Boyer, 33, of Gerrardstown, who was wanted for probation violations related to firearms and narcotics.
During the arrest, authorities discovered an active clandestine meth lab inside the garage of the residence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was immediately notified, and a hazardous materials cleanup crew from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was dispatched to secure and dismantle the lab.
While on scene, DEA agents also took Michael Addam Austin, 61, of Gerrardstown, into custody.
A search of Austin revealed approximately 109 grams of suspected methamphetamine, three Xanax tablets, five grams of suspected ketamine, 75 grams of liquid Butralactone, and a large amount of U.S. currency.
Charges filed include:
- Joseph Paul Boyer, 33 – Fugitive from Justice, with additional charges pending. He was remanded to Eastern Regional Jail.
- Michael Addam Austin, 61 – Operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug laboratory; manufacture or possession with intent to deliver Schedule I or II narcotics/methamphetamine; and conspiracy to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance. He was remanded to Eastern Regional Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair praised the coordinated response that led to the arrests and safe dismantling of the lab.
“This case highlights the dangers our deputies and partner agencies face, day in and day out, and the importance of teamwork in keeping our community safe,” Sheriff Blair said.
